Hey all. So i have been hunting this new piece of public land that no one really hunts or knows about. I have been seeing tons of mature does running around and a 2 year old 4 pointer. Last night, a larger group of does stepped out about 400 yards from me. They seemed pretty skittish and one seemed to be chasing several does around. I presume it was a buck but again they were 400yards away and I couldn't quite tell. I am seeing more sign around my stand but I am concerned that I am not going to see any bucks. They are also starting to move around a lot earlier in the evening. I've hunted this spot a few times in the morning but it is for sure an afternoon spot since they normally bed around the area my stand is located at night. Should I assume that there are no mature bucks(other than the spike) hanging out with these does? I just do not understand how this could be since all these does are very mature.
If you have does then there's something making them multiply. The buck your seeing has a dad out there. It's still early and mature bucks normally don't chase until the does are good and ready. Hang in there the best is yet to come. I'll in S IL and our rut doesn't really kick off until the 2nd week of November
A great indication of when rut is on is when you can see a does leg gland change to dark brown. If you see this then hold on tight because your hunt should get really exciting following the doe
^^^^This is the ticket. Just hang in there. When those does come in to heat, the bucks can come from a couple miles away looking for some lovin. The bucks will show up when the time is right. Sounds like you've got a heck of a rut hunting spot. Good luck!!
Really hope so. This is my first full bow season, and man I could've smoked one of them does a few times but I only have 1 tag so I figured if the does aren't leaving I might as well wait until the last day of bow season! I can see it now, first bow kill 10-point pope and young!
Hey man, anything can happen! This is my 3rd year of serious bowhunting and killed my first deer with a bow last year. 155" 13 pt
Well tonight was amazing! Finally saw a decent sized buck, small rack 8 pointer. Maybe 3 years old but small rack. Came charging thru couldn't get him to stop moving so I could take a shot. Hopefully bigger ones on the way!
If you have the does, the bucks will come. The mature bucks usually never start showing up in daylight until the first 2 weeks of November. I wouldn't change anything. If you have the does patterned and are close by, the bucks will be sure to folow.
